There is no project that will aesthetically improve your garage floor than finishing it with glossy and durable epoxy paint. Just like any other painting project, the key to concrete floor painting can be broken down into a series of straightforward, easy to follow steps.
The first thing to keep in mind when planning your project is to make sure the area in which you will be working is well ventilated. Some of the materials emit fumes that can be hazardous to health, so take care to make sure the ventilation is adequate.
Another important preliminary step is to evaluate the concrete surface in order to determine how you will proceed. If the floor has already been painted with an epoxy product, it can be repainted as long as there is no peeling. If the floor has not been painted, it’s critical to determine whether or not the concrete has been sealed. This is accomplished by pouring a small amount of water on the concrete floor. If the water beads up, one can safely assume the concrete has been sealed. If this is the case, a chemical stripper will have to be used to remove the seal before taking any further steps.
If the concrete floor has been recently poured, it’s best to wait about 60 days for the concrete to cure before painting. Painting concrete with high moisture content will only lead to future peeling.
Next, you’ll want to make sure your concrete floor is thoroughly cleaned to ensure proper adhesion of the finish. Since you’re dealing with a garage floor, you may come across oil stains and the like. These will need to be vigorously scrubbed, using a strong degreaser. The entire floor will need to be sprayed down with water and detergent, scrubbed and rinsed clean.
At this stage, if you notice any cracks or holes in the surface, they will need to be filled. For cracks, it’s best to use a concrete-mortar repair compound which is sold in tubes that resemble caulking. For the larger holes, a premixed concrete patch can be used. When repairing both cracks and holes, be sure to feather in the edges to create a smooth finish.
Now that your concrete floor is clean and all cracks and holes are repaired, it’s time to etch the surface. Etching is a process that opens the pores of the concrete, allowing it to absorb the finish. After mixing your etching solution according to manufacturer guidelines, pour it over a 10’ x 10’ area and scrub it into the concrete using a stiff-bristled push broom. If you notice fizzing and foaming, the process is working. Once you’ve etched the entire floor, rinse it off until the water runs clear. Allow the floor to dry for about 4 hours before taking the next step.
Most epoxy paints call for a primer to be applied before covering the surface with the finish product. Usually the primers are transparent; they’re instrumental in epoxy adhesion and will ensure a long lasting paint job. After the primer has been brushed and rolled on, and has been allowed the drying time recommended by the manufacturer, it’s finally time to install the epoxy.
Most epoxies are sold in two parts: the epoxy paint and the epoxy hardener. Start by stirring the epoxy paint while slowing adding the hardener to the paint, and make sure to scrape out of the can every last drop of the hardener. Allow the potion to sit for about 30 minutes before applying. Once the hardener has been added, you’ll only have about two hours to work with before the epoxy completely hardens, so be sure to work quickly. Most painting contractors recommend applying two coats of finish epoxy; be sure to plan your materials accordingly, and always allow 24 hours between the first and second coats. If these steps are diligently followed, your garage floor will be looking like a showroom.
Mass Painters is a full-service house painter and commercial interior and exterior painting company in Boston, Massachusetts area. We have been in the business for many decades, and we know painting inside and out!
